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Plants send out signals attracting harmful bacteria, MU study finds

April 24, 2014

When bacteria attack plants, they often inject harmful proteins into the host plants' cells to weaken and suppress natural defenses. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri (MU) have identified and replicated the process that allows the bacteria--known mostly for attacking tomatoes--to invade its host. This discovery could lead to natural anti-infective treatments that work with food-producing plants to enhance resistance to harmful bacteria in the field.
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SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2016, its budget is $7.5 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 48,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $626 million in professional and service contracts yearly.